Travel to Machu Picchu by Qatawi Tour

Choquequirao Trek


Don't just take the picture! Book today and secure your spot for this unique experience. Spaces are limited.

Choquequirao Trek

4 Days, Discover the Cradle of Gold from Cusco
Qatawi Tours | Experiencias Auténticas en el Corazón de los Andes

Plan Your Machu Picchu Adventure Now

Talk with our travel experts and get free personalized advice to plan your perfect experience.

Click here and start living the journey today. Instagram

Overview of the Choquequirao Trek

Choquequirao, known as the “Cradle of Gold,” is an extraordinary Inca archaeological site perched above the powerful Apurimac River and surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks. Often called the sister city of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao remains far less visited, yet it is nearly three times larger and still largely hidden beneath cloud-forest vegetation. As one of the final strongholds of the Incas who resisted Spanish rule, the site preserves a profound sense of history, mystery, and solitude.

Located at 3,033 m / 9,951 ft, Choquequirao sits between the Andes and the Peruvian jungle on a remote mountain ridge accessible only by foot. The trek covers roughly 40 km / 25 miles round-trip, navigating steep ascents and descents between 1,400 m / 4,593 ft and 3,100 m / 10,170 ft. Its remoteness, demanding terrain, and untouched landscapes make the journey a rewarding challenge for adventurers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.

4 days / 3 nights

Group/Private

Trekking

2 travelers

3,050 msnm

With Programming

Cusco → Cachora → Capuliyoc → Santa Rosa → Marampata → Chiquisca → Choquequirao Ruins

Travel Itinerary

Choquequirao Trek 4 Days

DAY 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa

Your adventure begins at 4:30am with pick-up from your hotel and a 4-hour drive to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft). Along the route, enjoy impressive views of traditional villages, deep valleys, and towering snow-capped peaks. At Capuliyoc, you will meet the horsemen and prepare your equipment; you carry only a small daypack with essentials.

The trek starts with a descent to Playa Rosalinas (1,475m/4,840ft), where lunch awaits. This stretch offers exceptional panoramas of the Apurimac Canyon and the Padreyoc mountain (5,571m/18,387ft). After lunch, ascend for approximately two hours to reach Santa Rosa (1,900m/6,234ft), your first campsite. Hot drinks, appetizers, and pre-set tents will be ready for your arrival, followed by dinner.

  • Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Distance: 16.5 km / 10 miles
  • Difficulty: Challenging

DAY 2: Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao

Wake up with a hot cup of tea or coffee before breakfast. The day begins with a 2-hour ascent to the small village of Marampata (2,850m/9,350ft). From here, continue through lush Andean vegetation, diverse flora and fauna, and breathtaking scenery until you reach the spectacular archaeological complex of Choquequirao.

After lunch, enjoy a detailed, private guided tour of the site. Visit key areas such as temples, palaces, ceremonial platforms (Usnu), ritual water channels, agricultural terraces, and the famous llama terraces. Learn the historical significance and mysteries behind this incredible Inca citadel. Later, return to Marampata (1.5 hours) for tea time, dinner, and rest.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
  • Difficulty: Challenging

DAY 3: Marampata – Chiquisca

After breakfast, descend for approximately two hours to the powerful Apurimac River (1,550m/5,117ft), considered sacred in Inca tradition. Take time to appreciate its immense force and cultural significance. Then begin a steady uphill hike of about one hour until you reach Chiquisca (1,990m/6,270ft), your third campsite. Enjoy hot drinks, appetizers, and a comfortable tent upon arrival.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 1,550m / 5,117ft (min) – 1,990m / 6,270ft (max)
  • Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
  • Difficulty: Challenging

DAY 4: Chiquisca – Saywite – Cusco

Following breakfast, begin the final ascent to Capuliyoc Pass. From the top, take in exceptional views of the canyon and surrounding mountains. A private vehicle will then transfer you to Cachora (2,850m/9,407ft) for lunch. Afterward, continue to the archaeological site of Saywite, a fascinating carved monolith believed to represent an ancient Inca cosmological map. Finally, return to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 6:00pm.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Altitude: 1,990m / 6,270ft (min) – 2,850m / 9,407ft (max)
  • Distance: 8 km / 4.4 miles
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Inclusions

Included

  • Hotel pick-up on the morning of your trek.
  • Private transportation from Cusco to Capuliyoc (starting point) and from Cachora back to Cusco.
  • Entrance fees to Choquequirao and all archaeological sites included in the itinerary.
  • Professional, experienced, English-speaking Qatawi Tours guide.
  • High-quality camping tents (two travelers accommodated in spacious four-person tents).
  • All meals as outlined in the itinerary, with vegetarian options available upon prior request.
  • One emergency horse (with helmet) provided by Qatawi Tours, available in case of fatigue or illness.
  • Complete camping equipment: dining tent, kitchen tent, tables, chairs, and toilet tent.
  • Staff tents for the support team of Qatawi Tours.
  • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen.
  • Pack horses for group equipment and personal belongings, managed by our trained horsemen.
  • Camping pillow and foam sleeping mattresses.
  • Private guided tour at each archaeological complex with a certified Qatawi Tours guide.
  • Transportation of up to 7 kg of personal items (sleeping bag, clothing, etc.) carried by our pack horses.
  • Daily boiled water provided for drinking and washing.
  • All applicable taxes.

Not Included

  • Sleeping bag suitable for –10°C (rental available for USD 20).
  • Air mattress rental (USD 20).
  • Trekking pole rental (USD 15).
  • Additional horses for personal luggage beyond the included 7 kg.
  • Tips for the Qatawi Tours guide, cook, and horsemen.

More about the tour

PRICE

The Choquequirao Trek 4 Days is available on any date that suits your travel plans, with a minimum of 2 participants.

  • Price: USD 537 per person

Qatawi Tours provides large Eureka four-person tents for every two trekkers for maximum comfort.

Private trek upgrade: additional USD 100 per person.

DISCOUNTS

Groups of 5 or more: USD 30 off per person (The group must book the trek together at the same time.)

EXTRAS (Optional Rentals)

  • Sleeping bag: USD 20 per person (clean and warm)
  • Air mattress (Therm-a-rest): USD 20 per person
  • Walking poles (professional, adjustable): USD 15 per pair
  • Personal tent (for solo trekkers): USD 30

ADDED VALUES – FREE

  • Airport-to-hotel transfer in Cusco
  • Duffle bag + liner bags included
  • Extra pack horse to carry up to 7 kg of your personal gear (sleeping bag, mattress, clothing, etc.)
  • Boiled water provided daily along the route
  • Oxygen tank available throughout the trek
  • Emergency horse included, available in case of fatigue or illness
  • Camping pillow and foam mattress for added comfort

Frequently Asked Questions – Choquequirao Trek 4 Days

How difficult is the Choquequirao Trek 4 Days?

The Choquequirao Trek is considered challenging, involving steep ascents and descents, long hiking days, and high-altitude terrain. It is recommended for trekkers with good physical condition and previous hiking experience.

What is the maximum altitude reached during the trek?

The highest point of the trek reaches approximately 3,033 m / 9,951 ft at the Choquequirao archaeological site.

Do I need to carry my own equipment?

No. Qatawi Tours provides pack horses to carry camping equipment and up to 7 kg of your personal belongings. You only need to carry your daypack with essentials.

Are meals included on the Choquequirao Trek?

Yes. All meals mentioned in the itinerary are included. Vegetarian or special dietary options are available upon request.

Is an emergency horse available?

Yes. Qatawi Tours includes an emergency horse throughout the trek in case you feel unwell or need assistance.

What type of accommodation is provided?

You will stay in comfortable camping sites, with high-quality tents (two people per four-person tent), dining tent, kitchen tent, and toilet tent.

What is the best time of year to do the Choquequirao Trek?

The best months are April to October, during the dry season, with clearer skies and more stable trekking conditions.

Are entrance fees to Choquequirao included in the price?

Yes. Qatawi Tours includes all entrance fees to Choquequirao and other archaeological sites in the itinerary.

Reserva tu Choquequirao Trek

Disfruta una experiencia única llena de historia, naturaleza y emoción.

Reserva por WhatsApp Instagram Tik Tok

USD$537.00

Book Experience
More Information

WhatsApp: +51 941467648

Special Offers

Save up to 10% on selected tours!

Exclusive limited-time discounts | Experience a new adventure at the best price

No credit card fees. Book with just 30% off!

Related Tours

Our Premium Collection. Exclusive and curated trekking routes, reserved for the most discerning adventurer.

Request price

Contact us on WhatsApp

MENU